Mediation and Consultation Mechanism for the Mining Industry and Mineral Value Chain

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To overcome obstacles and concerns in the communication and consultation among various stakeholders, provide professional support for all parties to conduct equal dialogue, and promote problem-solving, we have developed the Mediation and Consultation Mechanism for the Mining Industry and Mineral Value Chain (hereinafter referred to as “this Mechanism”). This Mechanism aims to build a mediation and consultation platform with industry coordination, expert support, and voluntary participation of all parties, which can be used by stakeholders throughout the entire life cycle of the mineral value chain, including exploration, feasibility study, construction, operation, and mine closure, contributing to laying an important foundation for joint actions between upstream and downstream stakeholders working together to mitigate risks in the mineral supply chain.

To ensure that the rights of both parties involved be sufficiently respected and protected during the mediation and consultation process and to ensure the legitimacy of the operation of the mechanism, the design and operation of this Mechanism follow the principles of being legitimate, accessible, predictable, equitable, transparent, rights-compatible, and a source of continuous learning established in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We studied in depth and took reference from the procedural design of and practical experiences of the grievance mechanisms of the OECD, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank and dozens of others. We conducted interviews with many social organisations and leading mining companies with extensive experience, organised multiple communication sessions to gain insight from the grievance experts.

The first draft of the Procedure Document for this mechanism was completed in September 2021. We conducted a targeted consultation in September-October 2022 and a public consultation in November-December 2022, during which a wide range of opinions and suggestions were heard and incorporated, and the Procedure Document of this mechanism was revised and improved in several rounds. We now publish the document and begin the pilot phase of this Mechanism. If you wish to file an application for mediation and consultation, self-recommend or recommend candidates (experts or institutions) for Supporting Resource, or provide advice on the pilot phase and operation of this Mechanism, please contact [email protected].

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